Sgurr Dearg - The Inaccessible Pinnacle 13th July 2012

It was another very early start and the alarm yet again went off at 5:45am. Soon the kettle was on and breakfast made. Today we were packing up and moving onto the Isle of Skye.

Me on South Crack HVD**** The Inaccessible Pinacle 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

On our way to Skye we stopped off at Kyle of Lochalsh to pick up much needed cash, supplies and fuel. By the time we arrived at the Glen Brittle campsite it was nearing midday. We quickly pitched tents, paid our fees and scoffed lunch. The destination for today was the Inaccessible Pinnacle.

Mary on South Crack HVD*** The Inaccessible Pinnacle 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The most direct route to the Inaccessible Pinnacle (444 215) is from the Glen Brittle Memorial Hut (411 216). There is a well worn foot path that runs along the south side of Allt Coire na Banachdich and passes the spectacular waterfall Eas Mor (419 215). Although not marked on the map there is a clear footpath up the broad west ridge of Sgurr Dearg. Ignore the path on the left and continue straight ahead, when the path splits again ignore the track on the right and continue walking up the ridge of Sgurr Dearg (441 214). The ridge soon narrows and there is some very pleasant scrambling on the way to the Inaccessible Pinnacle.
Upon arrival at the Inaccessible Pinnacle, care should be taken as the rock in places is highly polished, loose and when wet can be treacherous.

Sgurr Alasdair 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The common ascent of the Inaccessible Pinnacle is to climb the East Ridge Moderate **** in two pitches. I've done this route many times. It's thrilling especially the first time, but this time my route of choice was the classic South Crack HVD****. This is a brilliant route.




Vicks & Mary on top of the Inaccessible Pinnacle 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

We had clear skies, sunshine and the whole ridge to ourselves. I would rate it as one of my favourite climbs, it may only be 30m but the location is fantastic with spectacular views in all directions. 




Mary abseiling off the Inaccessible Pinnacle 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

This was Mary's first time on the Skye ridge, it would prove to be another huge challenge for Mary to overcome. With mixed feelings of anticipation, fear and adrenaline. Mary faced her fears and overcame the challenges to complete the Inaccessible Pinnacle.

Me taking in the views over Glen Brittle 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

To descend the Inaccessible Pinnacle use the fixed abseil point or down climb East Ridge (not recommended). One short abseil down in a thrilling location. After lunch we followed the ridge north to Bealach Coire na Banachdich (443 218) and down climbed one of the first scrambles I ever did on Skye. Banachdaich Slab Grade 3** (439 218).

Me abseiling off the Inaccessible Pinnacle 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

It didn't take long and soon we were on the floor of Coire na Banachdaich, picked up the foot path back to Glen Brittle Memorial Hut and then onto the campsite. Yet again it was late almost 9pm by the time we arrived back at Glen Brittle campsite.


Sgurr na Banachdich & Sgurr a' Ghreadaidh 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)



I've been visiting the mountains of Skye now for almost 20 years and it is a truly inspiring place to visit. A place that never fails to amaze me. Once you have been you will go back again and again, every time finding something new.



Mary scrambling down Banachdaich Slab Grade 3** 13/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)